Delhi NCR is set to gain a significant mobility upgrade as the DND–Faridabad–Sohna section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway inches closer to completion, marking a crucial phase in one of India’s largest highway infrastructure programmes. The corridor, designed to support travel speeds of up to 120 km/h, is expected to ease congestion, reduce emissions from idling vehicles, and improve regional accessibility across the National Capital Region.
According to a recent update from the Union road transport ministry, the 59-kilometre link is being developed in three construction packages, with two already operational. The first segment, stretching 9 kilometres between the DND junction and Jaitpur, has recorded over 94 per cent physical progress. Officials noted that the delay in receiving structural approvals for crossing the Agra Canal held up work, pushing the revised completion date to June 2026. Despite this, the ministry maintains that the remaining construction is progressing steadily.
Urban mobility specialists say the expressway will play a transformative role in reshaping commuting patterns in Delhi NCR. By diverting long-distance traffic away from existing arterial roads, the link is expected to reduce pressure on urban junctions, lowering pollution and improving travel reliability. Experts also argue that access-controlled, high-speed corridors allow for better fuel efficiency, supporting India’s broader ambition of promoting sustainable and low-carbon mobility. Once complete, the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway will connect the capital with India’s financial hub through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The eight-lane highway has also been designed with the option to expand to twelve lanes, allowing future capacity growth as travel demand increases. Infrastructure planners believe that this focus on scalability is critical, given rising urbanisation in NCR and the need for climate-resilient transport solutions.
Local officials responding to parliamentary queries stated that smoother connectivity between Delhi and its southern peripheries would unlock new real estate potential, particularly in emerging urban clusters around Faridabad and Sohna. Improved accessibility could also reduce travel inequalities, enabling residents in peripheral districts to reach employment centres more efficiently.Although the DND–Jaitpur stretch remains the final pending link, authorities emphasise that the operational portions are already providing commuters relief by offering alternative routes during peak congestion. Analysts say the corridor could help reduce total travel time between Delhi and Mumbai by nearly 12 hours once fully functional.
As construction enters the final stages, planners highlight the importance of integrating such large-scale corridors with local public transport options, cycling networks, and environmentally sensitive design principles. They argue that expressways must not only accelerate travel but also contribute to healthier, safer, and more inclusive cities.The ministry is expected to provide the next update on project progress later this year, with commuters and city-builders closely watching its implications for mobility, air quality, and regional development across NCR.
Delhi Nears Completion Of 59 Km DND–Faridabad–Sohna Expressway Stretch Soon
